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Maine

FY 2011/2012 Low-Income Energy Programs
Federal | State | Utility | Charitable

Federal

LIHEAP Contact
Public Inquiries: 1-800-452-4668
Website: www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/energy/energy-assistance-programs

LIHEAP Administering Agency Contacts
www.mainehousing.org/Charts/cap-agencies?PageCMD=1

Weatherization Assistance Program
Local Administering Agency Contacts
Website

LIHEAP FY 2012 Funding
$39,981,695

LIHEAP Income Eligibility Level
60% SMI
Note: Eligibility for households with incomes between 150% and 170% of the federal poverty guidelines is limited to those households with a member who is susceptible to hypothermia, such as elderly, a child under the age of two, or with a doctor's diagnosis.

LIHEAP FY 2011 Benefit
Heating: $804 average

LIHEAP Households Served (Estimate for FY 2011 Heating)
63,500

LIHEAP Program Dates
Heating: October 1 - April 30
Crisis: November 1 -March 31

State

The General Assistance Program is provided in each town to help people in emergencies, including energy emergencies.
Contact: Bureau of Family Independence, Department of Human Services 1-800-442-6003, or 207-287-2826

Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants
Gives loans and grants to very low-income homeowners to repair, improve, modernize,
or to remove health and safety hazards in their rural homes. Loans are for up to 20 years at 1% interest. Grants (free) may be for people who are 62 years of age or disabled. Loan/grant combinations may be arranged for applicants who can repay part of the cost. The program defines ‘very low-income’ as below 50 percent of the area median income. To Apply: Call Rural Development. Listed in the Phone Book under U.S. Government, Agriculture Department. Or call 1-800-352-8963 Ext. 161 and they will connect you to the correct office. www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/sfh/brief_repairloan.htm

Utility

Low-Income Rate Assistance

Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP)
Maine’s transmission and distribution utilities are required to create or maintain a LIAP to make electric bills more affordable for LIHEAP-eligible customers. The Maine State Housing Authority administers, implements and coordinates the statewide plan and the individual LIAPs in conjunction with its delivery of LIHEAP. The fund amounts to approximately $5.7 million yearly.
Contacts: Community Action Program Agency or call Betsy Mansir at 207-626-4603.
www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/Energy/EnergyDetail?ProgramID=36

Bangor Hydro Electric

• LIHEAP-eligible customers may qualify for a rate discount. Depending on income, the percentage of the discount will vary based on kWh usage.
  Contact local CAP agency.
• Emergency Assistance Program
  Limited to AFDC families, or families with children under the age of 18, who may be eligible for AFDC. One of the program’s functions is to assist families in paying past due energy-related costs in order to avoid being shut-off.
  
  www.bhe.com/residential/low_income.cfm
  1-800-499-6600 or 947-2414

Central Maine Power
Electricity Lifeline Program
Offers qualified low-income customers a credit on their electric bill. This credit is based on household income and estimated electricity usage and is applied to your bill for the same amount each month, up to 12 months.  See our fact sheet for more information.
1-800-750-4000
www.cmpco.com/YourAccount/PayYourBill/ServiceAndAssistance.html

Maine Public Service Co.
PowerPact
LIHEAP-eligible customers who keep current with bill payments November - March may receive a credit up to $220 in June. Aroostook County Action Program determines eligibility, call: Presque Isle 768-3053; Houlton 532-5311; Fort Kent 834-5135 or 1-800-585-3053. For more information about the program, call the Customer Service Department at MPSC: 1-877-655-4448 or 207-760-2300.
www.mainepublicservice.com/your-account/programs-/the-powerpact-program.aspx

Low-Income Energy Efficiency

Low Income Refrigerator Replacement
A collaborative effort involving Efficiency Maine, the Maine State Housing Authority and the state’s Community Action Programs. The program replaces inefficient refrigerators and installs energy efficient lighting in the homes of qualified low-income consumers. When you apply for LIHEAP, you are automatically considered for the Appliance Replacement Program and other assistance. Contact the Community Action Program (CAP) agency nearest you for a LIHEAP application or to inquire about your eligibility for appliance replacement.
For more information call 866-376-2463 or 207-624-5745.
www.efficiencymaine.com/in-your-community/low-income-appliance-replacement

Central Maine Power
Low-Income Energy Management Program
Electric water heater and pipe insulation and water conservation measures.
1-800-750-4000
www.cmpco.com/YourHome/appliances/electricwaterheaters/bundleup/default.html

Emergency Charitable Assistance

Maine Sea Coast Mission
Provides emergency assistance for heat, electricity, food and other emergency circumstances for island and coastal communities from mid- to Downeast coastal Maine.
1-866-207-4010
www.seacoastmission.org/emergency_assistance.html

Page last updated: January 20, 2012